Reefer freight volumes rebounded after the Independence Day holiday week, with the national average reefer linehaul rate beginning to cool from its holiday-week peak. However, the average rate remains above year-ago levels, meaning transportation costs are still elevated compared to the same point in 2025.
For produce shippers and buyers, above-year-ago reefer rates are a consistent cost headwind throughout this summer season. The post-holiday volume rebound is normal, but the elevated rate baseline means the cost of moving product is structurally higher than it was a year ago.
With peak summer supply volumes running high across multiple commodities and the potential for import-volume surges ahead of August tariff announcements, reefer capacity and rate trends are worth monitoring closely through the rest of the month.